PROJECT #18: SUMMER TUBE TOP

© 2012 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.  

This project is very similar to project #17: Strapless maxi. You can use knit or woven fabric for the body. For the top and bottom finishing, you will need a rib. Make a few different styles for the summer!

See the directions below on how to make this cute top. You can shape in the waist (reduce -1 1/2" total where your waist hits, or keep the sides straight as the diagram below for looser/relaxed fit.

A. Width = Your Chest circumference +2".
B. Center Front (longest length) = Desired length.
C. Center Back (shortest length) = Front length - 3".
D. Rib (with spandex) Length = A - 1 1/2". Height = 1/8" more than elastic height. If your elastic is 1", the height of the rib will be 2x's (double), as you will need to fold in half + seam allowance.
E.  Elastic = Circumference under you armpits. Keep it tight enough the top will not fall down.You only need elastic for the top.

For sewing, stitch the sides together. Sew the rib ends together, sew top and bottom rib all around the edge. Leave about 1 1/2" open on the top seam. You will need to pull the elastic through, inside the top rib casing. Sew the elastic ends together once it has been pulled through. Now finish stitching the rib to the top rib.  You are done!!! Have fun mix and matching the fabric and rib in different colors and prints. You can design and make this top for any occasion depending on the fabric you choose!

PROJECT #17: STRAPLESS MAXI

© 2012 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.  

Here is the perfect summer dress you can make in just couple of hours! It is so easy to make and wear. Make it in a solid or printed fabric. You can use knit or woven fabric for this project.

Here are step by step instructions on how to make this dress.

#1)  1 1/2 yards of fabric + elastic

#2)  Figure out how much length of elastic you will need to go around right above your chest / right under armpits AND around your waist. Remember to keep the elastic tight so the dress will hold up when worn on the body. Sew the elastic ends together.

#3)  Fold the fabric in half. Sew the center back from top to bottom edge. Cut the back -2" blending to 0" at front. The back must be lower than the front of the body to fit properly.

#4)  Fold the garment inside out and start pinning the elastic at top opening. Make sure to leave enough fabric at top to fold and cover the elastic after sewing. When sewing the elastic to the fabric, you will need to gently pull the elastic to create shirring in the fabric since the fabric circumference will be much bigger than the elastic it self.

#5) Fold the top seam allowance inward to cover the elastic and stitch the elastic and fabric together again.

#6)  Pin & sew the elastic the same way as the top but there will be no seam allowance at waist. The elastic will be sewn directly to the inside of the waist. The stitching used on this example was in zig zag stitch but you can do straight stitch if you prefer.

#7) Finally, hem the length of the dress to your liking. You can keep it long maxi length or shorter.

Enjoy the summer showing off your new outfit that you made! :)